We’ve been making regular escapes to Idaho—we found it as a perfect antidote to the frothy powder panic back home. But truth be told, summer’s distractions have kept us from diving into Idaho’s mountain bike scene as much as we’d like. So last year, we made it a mission to head back north. First stop? Boise—to check out the trails at Bogus Basin Mountain Biking Park.
Idaho’s Summer is a novel experience
Visiting a place in a different season really opens your eyes to what’s possible. For example, Idaho in summer is a whole different world—compared to winter’s slumber, everything felt alive, lush, and vibrant. As if it went from black and white TV to Technicolor.
The moment I crossed the state line, I rolled down the truck window and was hit with the fresh, crisp aroma of mint. It’s wild how powerful smell can be—stronger than any other sense when it comes to memory. Instantly, I was transported to an afternoon, sipping on a mojito in Costa Rica.
Les Bois! Les Bois!
As we cruised into Boise, after driving through the dry, brown landscape of Nevada and southern Idaho, the contrasting sight of neon green, perfectly manicured grass along the highway felt surreal—like we were driving past a golf course. It instantly reminded me of the legend I heard behind Boise’s name. When French Canadian fur trappers first saw the tree-filled valley and the Boise River, they shouted, “Les Bois! Les Bois! Les Bois!”—French for “The Woods!”
Car Culture and Lively Atmosphere
And as we explored Boise over the coming days, I realized it was an oasis in so many ways that I was about to find out. Most mid-sized—and even big—Western cities feel kind of dead at night to me. There’s no energy. No buzz. People just hop out of their cars, head inside, and stay put. I was pleasantly surprised to find Boise wasn’t like that at all. Yes, it’s still a car-centric city, but downtown had a surprising vibe. Classic cars cruised the boulevards, and 8th Street felt like a mini version of South Beach on a Saturday night—walkable, buzzing, and alive.
There were huge patios packed with people, warm evening temps, and that perfect setting for a late-night drink or bite. Even at midnight, the city still hummed with energy.
Actual Neighborhoods
Then there were the distinctive neighborhoods. Hyde Park was a fun neighborhood filled with cute treelined streets. At its heart is Goody’s Soda Fountain, Tri-town Bicycles, and plenty of fun restaurants to eat at. For our first night, we stumbled upon the Basque Block of Boise on Grove Street between Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street. Unbeknownst to me, Boise is home to the highest concentration of Basque outside of the Pyrennes. And its beating heart was the Basque Block. Right on that block you’ll find Bardenay serving up Basque cuisine with a twist. More on that in our Places to Eat section below.
Mountain Biking in Boise
Alright, alright—so what about the mountain biking? Honestly, I was blown away by how deep the cycling culture runs in Boise. While kicking back at a bar in Hyde Park, we watched truck after truck roll by, each one loaded with mountain bikes. Just outside of downtown, we stumbled onto a massive bike park packed with kids sending it off booters—even as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Then Boise boasts nearly 200 miles of trails that stretch from the valley floor up into the mountains, cutting through wildly different climates. You could practically ride year-round.
And the real reason we came? The cherry on top: Bogus Basin Gravity Park. It’s the crown jewel of the scene—and totally worth the trip.
Why I Love Bogus Basin
From a distance, Bogus Basin might look like your typical local ski hill—beloved by the community and full of winter charm. But what happens when the snow melts? Is there still a reason to head up the mountain?
We caught up with Brad Wilson, General Manager of Bogus Basin, to find out. Sitting on the deck, cold drink in hand, Brad laid it out: “We’re not just a non-profit—we report to a board of 100 members, all of whom have to be season passholders. Our goal is always the same: give people the best experience possible and get the Treasure Valley community outside.”
That’s the magic of Bogus—it’s more than a ski area. It’s a full-blown recreation hub, and summer is no exception.
Roll into the main village on a summer weekend, and you’ll feel the energy right away. Two lifts spin to carry mountain bikers and hikers up the trails. Idaho’s ONLY mountain coaster also resides here that twists through the trees. And there’s even a climbing wall, shaded hangout spots, and live music at a casual lunch spot tucked under a stylish canopy.
So yeah—when the snow’s long gone, Bogus Basin still brings the stoke.
What I Love About Mountain Biking Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin’s Gravity Park isn’t some side project—it’s been going strong since 2017, and you can tell they take it seriously. A full-time crew works all season to keep the 20 miles of trails dialed, and it shows. Every year, they update, improve, and expand the network—not just within the park, but across their cross-country trails too.
What really stood out to us?
The vibe. A lot of bike parks have that agro, bro energy—but not here. We saw everything from rowdy teens sending big booters to moms and kids laughing their way down beginner runs. It was chill, fun, and totally welcoming.
And get this—they’ve got a progression map. Seriously. It lays out all the trails by difficulty, so you know exactly where to start and how to level up. Super smart, and something we haven’t seen at other parks.
Morning Star Express: Main Line
If you’re chasing gravity-fed downhill fun, the Morning Star Express lift is where it’s at. It’s the heartbeat of the Bogus Basin Gravity Park—and like any great trail system, there’s something for every rider.
Trail Names Give You an Inkling
What’s awesome here is that the trail names actually give you a feel for what to expect. Take Marsh Mellow, for example. It’s the easiest trail—nice and mellow—winding gently through a marshy section of the mountain. Then there’s Berm Baby Berm, a flowy, machine-built beauty stacked with massive, perfectly sculpted berms from top to bottom.
Looking for airtime?
Air Traffic Control is your jam. This jump line zips through a conifer canopy with features you can roll—or launch. And if you’re after something gnarlier, G19 brings the heat with mandatory rock features and a steep pitch that’ll keep your adrenaline pumping.
40 Acres of Freedom and other Zones
When we rolled through in summer 2024, a few trails were closed while Bogus was upgrading its lifts. One spot we couldn’t hit—but kept hearing rave reviews about—was 40 Acres of Freedom. Opened in 2023, this is the zone for expert-level riders. It’s packed with the gnarliest, most technical natural terrain on the mountain—built for true gravity fiends.
Another fresh addition is the Bitterroot Zone, where Bogus has expanded even further. It features two intermediate flow trails—Dirty Bob’s and Sunday Stroll—that serve up good vibes and smooth lines before connecting to Around the Mountain for a scenic pedal back to the front side.
XC: Another Way To Experience It
We came for the Gravity Park—but truth be told, we like to keep our tires on the ground. For us, it’s all about exploring, getting off the beaten path, and finding those hidden gems most folks never see.
When we mentioned that, Brad—the GM—flashed a grin and said, “You’ve gotta check out the Around the Mountain trail, or at least dip into some of our XC stuff.” And yep, he was spot on.
A lot of gravity parks claim to be all downhill, but end up sneaking in a ton of pedaling. Not at Bogus. Their trail labeling is dialed. If it says “XC,” you know you’ll be earning those turns. It’s clear, it’s honest, and it’s way more transparent than most bike parks we’ve ridden.
Tour De Bogus: Around the Mountain
Even if you skip the lift ticket, a summer trip to Bogus Basin is totally worth it just to ride the loop. The Around the Mountain trail clocks in at over 10 miles and wraps its way around the resort like a scenic tour—serving up ever-changing views, shifting climates, and wildflowers galore.
This loop checks all the boxes: steady climbs, flowy berms, and fast, fun descents. Best part? It drops you right back into the village, where you can toast the ride with a well-earned cold one.
Quick Tours & Lift Assists
With only a day to explore Bogus Basin, we didn’t have time to tackle Around the Mountain. Instead, after getting our gravity fix in the morning, we got a bump up on the Morning Star Express and pedaled up Brewer’s Byway.
The climb gave us a whole new perspective on the mountain. But the real payoff came after a short, punchy climb out of the basin and over to the backside. Elk Meadows might be mellow, but it felt like we’d dropped into the wild. No one in sight. Big peaks on the horizon. And even in August, wildflowers were everywhere. It was unreal.
When to Visit
In the valley, you can find trails to ride almost year-round, but the prime mountain biking season usually runs from April through October, depending on weather and trail conditions. When summer heat peaks in July and August, that’s your cue to head up to the mountain—temps are 15-20º cooler, offering the perfect escape from the heat.
Late June Bogus Opens for MTB
Around mid-June, depending on snowfall, Bogus Basin kicks off its summer operations. The season begins with the Boise Mountain Bike Festival a celebration of bikes and trails happening in late June—this year on June 27th and 28th.
Thanks to its high elevation, the mountain bike trails at Bogus Basin stay in great shape well into July. And in big snow years like 2024/25, the trails can last all the way through August! Fall is another awesome time to visit with crisp temps and the vibrant colors of changing foliage. Plus, Basin Gravity Park and lift-served trail access stay open through the last weekend in September.
Where to Stay
There’s no lodging up at Bogus Basin—and honestly, even if there were, we’d still say stay in Boise. It just makes sense. While you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly spots on the west side of town, nearly all the trail systems are on the east side.
We recommend booking a place downtown or grabbing an Airbnb in one of the hip neighborhoods like Hyde Park. That way, after a full day of riding, you can stroll to dinner or hit up a local bar without needing to drive.
We stayed at the Avery Hotel and loved it—super central, comfy beds, and that cool, refurbished art deco vibe that gives you a little taste of Boise’s history.
Where to Eat
Boise’s food scene seriously delivers—not just with options for every dietary need, but with mouthwatering options that impress across the board.
One of our favorites?
Bardenay in the Basque Block. They serve up high-quality cuts cooked to perfection. And while the fries are solid, the real standout is the mashed potatoes—made in-house and just like my grandpa used to make: a little lumpy to prove they’re real, yet silky smooth with a touch of garlic. Pure comfort.
Got a sweet tooth?
Head to Guru Donuts. They’re cranking out top-notch donuts—including gluten-free and vegan versions. Jaime loved them so much, we grabbed a box to bring home.
For a hearty breakfast
Especially if you’re a bacon lover—Bacon Boise is a must. Yep, you can order shots of bacon (you read that right), plus dig into brunch favorites like the mac ’n’ cheese that Food & Wine named “Best in the US.”
We could go on, but let’s just say—you won’t leave Boise hungry or disappointed.
There are places we’ve visited where we left feeling like we got it—like we really experienced what the town had to offer. But Boise and Bogus Basin? That was different. It felt like we just got a sip of the winery’s best bottle… and then had to leave before the second pour.
From the incredible food scene to all the trailheads we passed on the way up to Bogus, both Jaime and I made a promise—we’re coming back. There’s way more to explore, and we’ve only scratched the surface.
